Month: January 2024

Spend Time with God Daily

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

One way we can make sure that we spend time with God daily is to make our time with God a priority. I know from experience that once I get busy with the routines of my day, I fit God in eventually, but it is not quality time with my focus totally on Him as it should be. However, if I start my day with God, reading His Word and praying, then I am starting my day my giving God the “firstfruits” of my time for the day. I want God’s presence in my life, so I need to start my day in His presence. My Creator and Savior deserves no less than the first part of my day. Then, I have found, He is present with me for the rest of the day, just a prayer away because I invited Him in at the beginning of the day. Some want God’s presents, the gifts and favor He can bestow them. But a relationship with God works when you spend time with Him, letting Him know that He is important in your life, not a genie in a bottle that you call for when you need something. Let God be present in your life by being present in His presence every day. Like taking a vitamin, it won’t do you any good sitting on your shelf. You have to actually take it in and let it work inside your body. Likewise, you have to actually spend time getting to know God. He already knows you and wants you to know Him better.

The Presence of God

The writer of Psalm 27 is intentionally focusing on one of the most important aspects of our spiritual life. Throughout Scripture, we learn about the importance of the presence of God.

It is in the presence of God that we find strength and hope (Psalm 27:1). It’s also in God’s presence that our enemies lose their power over us (Psalm 27:2-3).

In Psalm 27:4 the writer of the Psalm expresses his desire to dwell within the house of the Lord, to gaze upon God’s beauty and be in His presence in the temple. In the Old Testament, the presence of God was primarily within the temple. But through spending time with God, the Psalmist found hope and restoration for his soul.

Thanks to Jesus, God’s presence is no longer confined to the temple. His presence is now available to us through the Holy Spirit who dwells within believers. We now have access to God’s presence at any time.

Just like the writer of the Psalm desired to dwell within God’s presence, we also should desire to be with God as much as possible. It is in God’s presence that we find hope, joy, beauty, and the restoration of our weary souls.

It is important that we spend time with God each and every day. We can do this through regularly reading Scripture and reflecting on what we read. We can also spend time in prayer, talking to God about what is happening in our life. Another way to spend time in God’s presence is to simply be aware that He is with you through your daily tasks each day.

Renewed Every Day

On By vickleaIn devotional, Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

www.bible.com/reading-plans/16671/day/5

At my age, I sometimes have wondered if God can still use me, and if He chooses to do so, what in the world can I contribute with this feeble body. Today’s devotional and Scripture verses let me know that God uses willing people, no matter their age. The treasure we have is inside and ready to be shared, not on the outside that is slowly wasting away with age. I am blessed to know that God can and does use me to strengthen others in the body and to let others know that God is always good, always gracious and always there for us, even when our physical bodies are letting us down. This devotional today encouraged me and I hope it does the same for you.

Review of DOUBLE TAKE by Lynette Eason

On By vickleaIn Book Review1 Comment

About the Book

ISBN-13:9780800741198

Publisher:Baker Publishing Group

Publication date:01/09/2024

Series:Lake City Heroes , #1

Pages:320

Detective James Cross has been honorably discharged from the Army Criminal Investigation Division due to wounds sustained when an IED blew up near him. Now with the Lake City Police Department, he’s rooming with this good buddy and partner, Cole, while he figures out his family dynamics.

Physician Assistant Lainie Jackson is eighteen months out from an attempted murder perpetrated by her ex, which ended when she managed to grab the weapon and shoot him. When he appears to have survived and is back to finish the job he started, Lainie insists it’s not possible. But someone keeps trying to kill her, and she keeps seeing his face.

Together, Lainie and James must work together to find out who, exactly, is after her and why he wants her dead. And failure is not an option.

My Thoughts

The first book in a new series by one of my favorite authors is always exciting for me, and this new book by Lynette Eason exceeded all of my expectations. With a fast pace and heart-stopping action, this book held me captive from beginning to end. The story of Lainie Jackson and her doubts about whether she is hallucinating or not made me really want to know what was going on her life. Although she is certain that Adam died, why does she keep seeing him at various places around the hospital? And if Adam is not stalking her, then who is determined to harm her? Lainie enlists the help of an old friend James Cross, currently a police detective who is ready to do whatever he needs to do to keep Lainie safe. The pace of this book is like a bullet train rocketing out of the station and it never lets up. The plot is compellingly realistic and terrifying at times. I enjoyed getting to know the people in Lake City and how they were so willing to help and support each other. All of the characters were dynamic, original and believable. This is an intriguing and intense book, with a clever edginess that kept me glued to the pages. The multi-layered story that includes PTSD and some other well-researched topics was complex, crackling with tension and so well crafted tht I had no idea how long past my bedtime I was reading every night. The chemistry between the characters gave the book emotional depth and the suspense along with the red herrings made this book unforgettable and unputdownable.
Disclaimer
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this bok from Revell via Netgalley. I was not required to write a positive review, and all opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255, “Guidelines Concerning the Use of Testimonials and Endorsements in Advertising.”

Clean Christian Fiction

About the Author

Lynette Eason is the best-selling, award-winning author of over sixty books. Her books have appeared on the USA TODAY, Publisher’s Weekly, CBA, ECPA, and Parable bestseller lists. She has won numerous awares including the Carol, the Selah, the Golden Scroll and more. Her novel, Her Stolen Past was made into a movie for the Lifetime Movie Network. Lynette can be found online at www.lynetteeason.com and www.facebook.com/lynette.eason and @lynetteeason on Twitter.

Meet the Author

Lynette is going on tour for this book! Where is Lynette! Check out this website and find out more details:

https://lynetteeason.com/booktour/


Book Tour 2024
Jan 11 – Pawley’s Island, SC – Litchfield Books – 11:00-1:00
Jan 23 – Cumming GA – Heavenly Dove Book store – 11:00-12:30
Jan 23 – Claxton, GA – Evans County Public Library – 5:30PM
Jan 24 – Brunswick, GA/Savannah, GA – TBD
Jan 25 – Ocala, FL – Gabriel Christian Bookstore – 12:00-2:00
Jan 27 – Bay-Minette, AL – Bay Minette Public Library – 11:00 – 1:00
Jan – 28 – Baton Rouge, LA – Barnes & Noble (2590 Citiplace Ct, Baton Rouge, LA 70808) – 2:00-4:00
Jan 29 – Dallas, TX – Logos – 4:00-6:00
Jan 31 – Yukon, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (Garth Brooks Blvd) – 4:00-6:00
Feb 1 – Tulsa, OK – Mardel Christian Bookstore (3132 E. 51st St. S. Suite A Tulsa, OK 74105) – 6:00-8:00
Feb 2 – Springfield, MO – CPO Redeemed Bookstore – 11:00-1:00 – with Kate Angelo
Feb 3 – Kansas City, MO – Mardel -7102 W 119th St, Overland Park, KS 66213 – 12:00-2:00
Feb 5 – Farmington, MO – Farmington Public Library – 11:00-1:00 with Deborah Raney
Feb 7 – Nashville, TN – Logos store – 11:00-1:00
Feb 8 – Somerset, KY – Heritage Christian Bookstore – 12:00-3:00
Feb 10 – Knoxville, TN – Cedar Springs Christian Store – 10:00-12:00
Feb 10 – Morristown, TN – Morristown Hamblen library – 2:00-3:30
Feb 12 – Charleston, SC – Christian Product Expo – Embassy Suites – 5055 International Boulevard, North Charleston, SC 29418 – Time TBD
Feb 16 – Spartanburg, SC – Barnes & Noble – 1489 W.O. Ezell Blvd. Spartanburg, SC 29301 – 4:00-6:00 – with Lynn Blackburn
Feb 18 – Hillsborough, NC – Orange County Library – 12:00-3:00

Purchase Links:

https://bakerbookhouse.com/products/542754 (Baker)

amzn.to/48AIKbr (AMZ)

bit.ly/3S6EWtb (Target)

bit.ly/3RDJDZP (Kobo)

bit.ly/3NGa9AI (Powell’s Books)

bit.ly/3NFvgDb (Google Play Store)

bit.ly/48ynXFc (Barnes and Noble)

bit.ly/3NGNyUs (Walmart)

bit.ly/47cRcN0 (Christian Book)

bit.ly/3RwNYOq (Books-a-Million)

With a million thanks to Revell for including me on this book tour and to Lynette Eason for allowing me to be on her launch team! This book is one of the best ever! Get it today!

What Encouragement Looks Like

On By vickleaIn Scripture2 Comments

In my devotionals this morning, I read first about David about to take the city of Jerusalem. He met opposition and ridicule from the Jebusites who were there.

Basically, they were saying even the blind and the lame could hold him off. The next verse is very telling about David’s faith.

Look at that word, “nevertheless.” In spite of the ridicule and bullying from the Jebusites, David took the city. He knew Who was going before him so he was not afraid, but rather bold and fearless. There weren’t encouragers in that Jebusite crowd, were there? David knew the Lord was with him and that was all the help he would need. He ignored the taunts of the Jebusites and went ahead and did what God had told him to do.

My next devotional was about encouragement and the scripture took me to the book of Job. I thought to myself as I read, “Why would the verses be from Job when his friends didn’t encourage him and he was sitting in a pile of ashes, miserable and basically waiting to die?” Then, God shed His light on the Word and showed me that Job had previously been an encourager to others. He was known for his encouragement. In fact, his “friend” Eliphaz is the one who speaks these words to him. Eliphaz lets us know what encouragement should look like even as he goes about discouraging and judging Job.

Job instructed, strengthened and held people up when they needed it. Now that he needs encouragement, it is not to be found in his so-called friends who are there more to judge him than to encourage. But Job’s steadfast encouragement of others is noteworthy because this is the kind of encouragement we should be giving to others every day. We instruct them in the ways of God and help them physically when they need help. Even if we are unable to help others physically because of our own limitations, we can use our words to help people not to stumble in their faith and to be firm in their faith.

Are you a Jebusite or a Job? I would prefer to be a Job, but I know that sometimes I slip into the role of a Jebusite, a naysayer who doesn’t have enough faith to believe that God can carry through with what He has promised. I pray to be more like Job, more of an encourager. After all, God is going to carry out His plans with our without me…I need to get on His side and be the encourager needed to help the plans move forward! How about you?

Encourage Others

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

www.bible.com/reading-plans/13828/day/3

Jesus went around encouraging others by His words and His actions. Can we do any less? If you are feeling discouraged, I urge you to pick yourself up and find someone who needs encouragement. In encouraging others, you yourself will be encouraged. I know this because I have done it. When I least feel like being upbeat and encouraging, if I will go ahead and say positive words and demonstrate positive actions, then I end up not only helping the other person but also myself.

Encourage Each Other

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App3 Comments

In today’s world in which sarcasm is applauded and putting others down is a way to make yourself feel bigger, we are called as Christians to be encouragers. We have to stay focused on the final goal, to be with Jesus in Heaven, and not on the earthly applause we would receive from fitting in with the crowd and doing as the majority does. When someone is doing a good job, tell them you appreciate them. When a fellow believer calls for help, don’t be like Job’s friends and decide that their problems are of their own making. Encourage them to go forward with the Lord, not to stay where they are. A pastor once told me, “There is no standing still with God. You are either moving forward or you are sliding backwards.” Let’s choose to help others move forward!

Live on Purpose

Without intentionality, people tend to drift—becoming complacent instead of motivated, lacking vision instead of leveraging purpose.

But for those of us in Christ, we’re called to something more than drifting our way through life.

The author of the book of Hebrews said it this way…

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.”
‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭10:24-25‬ ‭NLT‬‬‬‬‬‬

Earlier in the chapter, we’re told that the old system of sacrifices couldn’t cut it. But Jesus—the ultimate sacrifice—made a way once and for all.

Now, we have access to God’s presence, provision, and power forever.

And so the author encourages the reader to inspire their fellow believers. Let’s break down what they say:

– “Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works…” It’s easy to slip into routines and patterns that, at the end of the day, don’t have eternal value. It’s easy to become numb, idle, and indifferent. But that’s not the way of Jesus! Let us use our God-given ingenuity to point each other back to Him. Let us be expectant for the opportunities—and even interruptions—that He places in our paths.

– “And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do…” Gathering together as the body of Christ is a privilege—a privilege that not everyone around the world can do safely. We shouldn’t take community for granted. Life isn’t just about what we need, but also about being there for each other—to meet practical needs, to help each other grow spiritually, to pray and worship together, and to collectively invite God’s presence.

– “…but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Just as hundreds of prophecies were fulfilled in the life, death, and resurrection of Christ, the rest will come to fruition on the day of His return. Rest assured, He is coming back! So let’s encourage one another to stay focused. Let’s encourage one another to be ready.

With a little thought and intentionality, we can live on purpose.

Shine His Light

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App1 Comment

Our tendency as a part of a population of people…our friends, neighbors, coworkers, etc…to try to fit in with others. So, as darkness covers the earth and the world becomes more corrupt, we have to remember that we are called to be different, to be the light that the world needs. When others say that abortion is just a medical procedure to take care of an unwanted pregnancy, the light within should loudly proclaim that abortion is murder. When the world is telling us that we need to accept the new morality, twenty or so genders and homosexuality is being normalized even in some church congregations, we need to shine the light of His truth. God created two genders, period. And He created man for woman and woman for man. His word calls homosexuality an abomination; it’s not an old-fashioned idea but rather truth from the Bible. If we don’t shine His light, then we are choosing to participate in the darkness. Jesus put His light into our hearts so that we could shine, so we must shine brightly, even as the world around us accepts more and more darkness. “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine…let it shine ’til Jesus comes.” Together, we are a beacon of light telling the world the truth about God’s Word and His standards that are for our good always.

The Greater Light

From the gentle morning sun rays that break through your window in the morning to the headlights that guide you on your way home at night, light is a constant presence.

Yet, there is a greater Light than any physical light we know…

In Isaiah 60:1, the prophet speaks of this greater Light. And his words are more than pretty poetry and a prophecy; they are a call to action, an encouragement for God’s people to find hope—Light, in the midst of darkness (Isaiah 59:9-10):
“Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord rises upon you.”
Isaiah 60:1
This Light is a beacon of hope, the picture of salvation and spiritual awakening. This Light is the true Light, the Messiah—Jesus Christ. He is the light God’s people needed then (Isaiah 59:9-10), and He is the light our hearts desperately need today.
In a world that sometimes can feel like it’s drowning in darkness—disasters, wars, injustice, and suffering—Isaiah’s message is an invitation to embrace God’s true Light of salvation, revealed in the New Testament to be Jesus Christ. Let this light shine brightly within you, driving out the shadows of darkness and illuminating the path for those who don’t know this Light.

Pause for a moment. Imagine a world filled with the light of God’s love and truth. Can you imagine a world where the light of Christ shines from the windows of every home and down every street…

God wants to use you—yes, you—to shine His light.

Anchored in Truth

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion AppLeave a comment

Yesterday and today have been hard days for me. We had planned a long weekend trip to MD to see our son and his family, but last night, our son texted me that our DIL has strep, so we need to postpone our trip. At first I was in the doldrums about it. We had already missed having Christmas with them because the toddler was sick. We waited until my medical appointments for after Christmas were done and were all ready to head to MD…but, change of plans. If I were not anchored in the truth of God’s love for me, this whole scenario would have sent me spinning into depression. Those days are gone though. Now, when bad news comes, I take it to the Lord and ask Him to help me to handle it properly and to have a good attitude even in the midst of my disappointment. I want to be so close to God that when the storm rages around me, I don’t even feel the raindrops falling. My prayer is that you are anchored in the Only One who can hold you up when all around you is topsy turvy. God bless you!

Anchored

If you’ve spent any time on a boat in the ocean, you know what it feels like to look up from the water, and suddenly realize you’ve drifted off course.

Without an anchor, there’s nothing to hold you in place.

Likewise, the ever-shifting waves of the world’s opinions can feel just as fluid and unsteady as the sea. When a storm rages, it can feel impossible to discern what’s up from what’s down—much less recognize God’s will.

In his letter to believers in Rome, where cultural trends were just as wobbly as ours are today, the apostle Paul wrote this:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭12:2‬ ‭NIV‬‬

So how can you renew your mind with the right stuff? How can you test and approve God’s will? Here are a few ideas:

Keep listening. You can know the story of God and understand the heart of God by reading or listening to His Word. You’re more susceptible to lies when you do not know the truth. But when you’re anchored to Truth, lies lose their power.

Keep talking. As honest and raw as possible, keep talking to God throughout your day. Ask Him your hard questions, come to Him with your burdens, and worship Him for His goodness, as well as the goodness you see around you. Communication with your Creator keeps you anchored to your Creator.

Keep learning. You can stay curious while also filtering what kind of information you put into your mind. You can pay attention to what you’re watching, what you’re listening to, and who you’re allowing to speak into your life.

You can resist drifting by anchoring yourself to the Truth—the words that come from God Himself.

Talk to God about Everything

On By vickleaIn Scripture, YouVersion App2 Comments

I am really enjoying my daily time with God and I do try to talk to Him about everything. Sometimes, I tell Him how joyful and thankful I am. Sometimes, I tell Him all about my anxiety and problems. And other times, I just vent and tell Him that I am frustrated at how long He is taking to answer a prayer. I used to think that I had to always hide my true feelings before God, just being totally respectful and quietly asking for my prayers to be answered. Then, the more I read God’s Word, the more I saw that great men in the Bible like David just told God exactly how they were feeling. And God did not immediately destroy them for their honesty. He understood. I know that He understands me, too, when I am feeling overwhelmed with one health issue after another or when I am disappointed that plans to visit family did not work out. God is a big and loving God who knows us intimately and loves us. So the next time you spend time with God, tell Him everything that’s on your heart…He will listen compassionately and give you peace and comfort in the situation, no matter what it may be.

What does God want you to do with your life?

The only way to know God’s will is by getting to know Him. It’s through drawing near to God that His guidance becomes evident. There isn’t one correct way to do that, but there are steps we can take that will help.

Seek God through Prayer.
Think about a close friend. If you’ve known them for a while, you know what they like and dislike without asking. The closer you are to someone, the more you understand them. The same goes for our relationship with God. Knowing God’s will comes from having honest conversations with Him. That’s why we need to get into the habit of talking to Him regularly, about everything.

Search the Scriptures.
God’s will for your life will never contradict what is written in Scripture. So as you get to know God through prayer, familiarize yourself with His Word. The more you study the Bible, the more your desires will begin to reflect God’s will. And when this happens, you can confidently ask God anything—and He will hear you.

Listen to the Holy Spirit.
Listening for the Holy Spirit often requires silencing the noise around you. When you get rid of distractions and stop fixating on fear, you start to notice God’s peaceful presence in your present circumstances. So as you pray and search the Scriptures, ask the Holy Spirit to guide you, and allow God to silence any distractions. (And if you want to practice intentionally seeking the Holy Spirit, try the YouVersion Guided Prayer feature.)

Look for confirmation from wise people.
Consider inviting people who are further ahead in their faith journey to be your “wise counsel.” Ask them to seek God’s will for your life with you. This step must be done alongside the previous ones. Seeking wise advice should confirm what you sense God is already telling you to do—it should not take the place of talking directly to God.

You may not always get it right, but the more you try to understand God’s will, the easier it becomes. When your desires align with God’s desires, He can trust you to do what is right. Applying these steps will help you, but discovering God’s will is a lifelong commitment that requires seeking God every day.